Stop Wasting Money: 18 Things That Are Definitely Worth Cheaping Out On

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There are some things that are worth spending a bit more on to get quality, but not everything is worth spending money on.

There are plenty of everyday items where spending more money simply doesn’t make sense.

The cheaper option works just as well, and the savings add up fast.

Here are some of the top things that are absolutely worth cheaping out on.

First Dates

Your ability to connect with someone is worth far more than how fancy a dinner you can pay for.

A simple coffee date is perfectly reasonable when meeting someone for the first time. There’s no need for big, long, or expensive outings before you even know if there’s a connection.

Caskets

The occupant doesn’t give a darn, so why should you?

Rather than spending a fortune on a casket, use that money to arrange decent catering for the wake instead.

It’s worth noting that the funeral industry very often preys on vulnerable people in a time of grief, so being mindful of costs here is both practical and smart. Making a plan ahead of time can also help your loved ones make good decisions when the time comes.

Birthday Décor

Anything birthday-related can be purchased at the dollar store: plates, cups, plastic forks, napkins, cards, balloons, and more. There’s no reason to overspend on decorations that will be thrown away by the end of the night.

Greeting Cards

Some greeting cards cost $5 or more, and at the end of the day, no one really cares about the card itself; they care about the sentiment (or what is inside). Head to the dollar store, grab a cheap one, write a heartfelt note, slip in some cash, and call it a day.

Baby Clothes

Babies grow out of their clothes so quickly that quality isn’t really an issue when they’re that young. The only things that matter are that clothing can be put on easily during the squirming and taken off quickly when covered in grossness of any variety.

Save your money here. It’s one of the smartest frugal moves new parents can make.

Golf Balls

Unless you’re really good, the brand of golf ball isn’t going to make a bit of difference in your game.

Cheap or used balls are a perfectly smart choice for the average golfer.

Medications

Generic over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, Advil, and cold medicines are all pretty much the same as their name-brand counterparts.

Choosing generics is one of the best frugal living tips around, and the savings over time are significant.

HDMI Cords

A $2 HDMI cord from the dollar store works just as well as one that costs ten times as much.

Many people report buying three or four at a time with zero quality issues. There’s simply no reason to pay full price for one.

Bottled Water

In most cases, multiple brands source their water from the same place, meaning there’s no meaningful difference between a $1 bottle and a $5+ bottle except for the logo on the label.

Better yet, skip bottled water entirely and use a reusable bottle for almost nothing.

Cars

If you don’t have a lot of extra money, buying a brand-new car is one of the worst ways to spend your money.

Buying a one-year-old version of the same car you want, with the lowest mileage possible, can save thousands per purchase. A used car is almost always the smarter way to go.

If you can get an even older car that is still in good condition, then you are golden.

Pregnancy Tests

Dollar-store pregnancy tests work on the same principle as name-brand ones; they just track the pregnancy hormone (HCG), and it’s not complicated.

Many people have used both cheap and name-brand tests only to get a positive reading on the same day with both. Buying two or three cheap ones still comes out far less expensive than a single $16 name-brand test.

General Education Courses

Knocking out general education requirements at a community college before transferring for the final two years can save a substantial amount on tuition.

Just be sure to verify beforehand that your target college will accept the credits; not all schools accept certain transfer credits from community colleges.

I did this by taking some classes in the summer at a cheaper college, which saved me significant amounts of money.

Drinking Glasses

If you’re prone to breaking glasses, there’s little point in spending much on them.

Thrift stores often have beautiful options for really cheap, making it easy to replace broken ones without guilt. You can find matching sets or even go trendy and grab some mismatched ones for a cool vibe.

Weddings

At the end of the day, you’re married and that’s all that matters. Keeping wedding costs modest and saving the money for an amazing honeymoon or other shared experiences is a much smarter idea.

Headphones

Expensive headphones aren’t worth it, but you should match your needs to the headphones you buy.

If you’re listening to average-quality audio, there’s zero reason to spend hundreds on top-of-the-line equipment.

A pair at a fraction of the price will sound almost exactly the same; all you’re paying for with premium headphones is enhanced playback of high-quality files. If what goes in isn’t great quality, it doesn’t magically improve from expensive hardware.

Milk

There is literally no difference between generic milk and name-brand milk.

It’s all cow’s milk, often from the same local dairy cows. Choosing the store brand, which is usually sitting right next to the name brand, can cut the cost in half.

Rain Ponchos

Theme parks and tourist destinations often sell rain ponchos for $10–$15, but a dollar store poncho works just as well, and realistically, you’ll never use it again after that one rainy day.

Pack a few cheap ones in your bag before you go.

Batteries

As long as batteries are produced to specification, the brand largely doesn’t matter.

Whether they’re made by Eveready, Duracell, or another established brand, they should perform the same. Just be cautious with unfamiliar off-brand options, and you’re good.

The bottom line? Spending more doesn’t always mean getting more. On plenty of everyday items, the cheap option is every bit as good, and your wallet will thank you for it.